Free Things To Do In London | Trace Back Harry Potter’s Footsteps At The Leadenhall Market

I’m not the biggest fan of Harry Potter but I do have an inclination to watch all the movies now that I live in London. It would be great to see some of the familiar places around the city in a blockbuster film knowing that I can immediately go to these places and relive the scenes from the movie. London is dotted with all kinds of Harry Potter film locations and one of them is the beautiful Leadenhall Market.

The first time I’ve been to the Leadenhall Market was when we passed by it during the Liar Liar Tour which I organized for London-based travel bloggers. When we were told that it’s film setting for a Harry Potter movie, some of the bloggers immediately recognized it and began taking photos of the place.

Originally, the Leadenhall Market was a lead-roofed mansion in the 13th century. It was bought by a rich merchant who gifted it to the city corporation and from then on it became a market.

Leadenhall Market is the oldest and possibly the prettiest surviving Victorian market in London. Dating back from the 14th century, it was known to be the best place in London to buy poultry, game, meat, fish, eggs, butter, grain and herbs.

Today it’s known for its numerous restaurants, pubs and commercial retailers. It’s a great place to go to if you wish to shop for unique things.

The design of the market is truly inspiring with its elaborate Victorian roof and the cobbled floor. It does make you feel like you’ve been transported back in time. It looks so beautiful that it was used as the Diagon Alley in the filming of Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone.

It’s typically open from 7am to 11pm on weekdays but due to the numerous bars and restaurants around it, you can go and admire its beauty at almost anytime of the day.

Also not a massive Harry Potter fan but I would head to Leadenhall market in a heart beat. The architecture is truly amazing and this is coming from someone who hates ‘old’ buildings and favours stainless steel, glass and ultra modern atyles. The fact that there are lots of pubs and restaurants is a brilliant bonus.

London is a thing of beauty, isn’t it? Those Victorian buildings and markets, along with the cobblestone streets are stuff of fairy tale. I would love to see this for myself – I’m sure it is as awe-inspiring as it looks on your photos!

I lived in England for 2 years and sadly missed this market! Even after travelling to London X number of times! I love the Harry Potter books and actually went to the studios and did many a costly tour. I love that you could do this free and still see some of the movie’s backdrops.

I had no idea that Harry Potter was filmed here!! I have only visited with work when I have been down in London as one of the pubs is the local for our office. It is a beautiful place though and I am always impressed when I am walking through 🙂

I have been to the Leadenhall Market before but I had no idea it was used in the Harry Potter movies! The building itself is so beautiful with all its detailing and your photography does it more than justice!

All those people taking pictures of the roof, you really captured what it’s like there. Like you I’m not a Harry Potter fan but for some reason I’ve watched all his movies. I do recognize Ladenhall market from the movie. Next time a Harry Potter movie is on, I’ll check out for it again. The detail on your pictures is amazing!

This is so timely because we are going to be in London in a week and we LOVE Harry Potter. We are going to the Warner Brothers tour, but now I would like to add this to my list. Even if you haven’t read the books/seen the films, this market is gorgeous! It looks like the kind of place you could wander all day.

Welcome to my blog! My name is Noemi, a Filipina who caught the travel bug at an early age and has never been cured. I blog about travel, food and my extraordinary mundane life in London with the Greek Mister.